Saints release England star Corbisiero

Alex Corbisiero has left Saints (picture: Kirsty Edmonds)

Last month, Corbisiero, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, revealed that he would be taking a year away from rugby when his Northampton contract ended in the summer.

But the Saints management have taken the decision to release the 27-year-old from his deal early.

Corbisiero was only able to make 30 appearances for the club after joining from London Irish in the summer of 2013.

But he did help Saints win the Aviva Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup in 2014, playing a part in both finals.

And Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: “Alex has made a big contribution to the Saints, on and off the pitch, and we’ve all been frustrated that he has not been able to make a consistent run of appearances in the first team.

“We wish him success in whatever he decides to do in the future.”